We were very disappointed to read about the three proposals for development of the Harlem Avenue and South Boulevard site. Each seems to be worse than the next.
The Holley Court Partners’ proposal for retail and office with restaurants and a performing arts and convention center seems to be exactly what Oak Park could use as a bona-fide tourist draw and means to simulate downtown Oak Park. But the developers seem to have no money.
The Morningside group proposal for a condo building ignores the directives of the village and citizen committees for something to stimulate downtown, and imposes housing where no housing was requested.
The Heritage group, in consort with a group of doctors, proposes retail and a medical office building. Our downtown area is turning into just a medical mega-mall. How is this going to stimulate downtown?
This is a great location. With the el, the Metra, heavily traveled Harlem Avenue, and at the crossroads of Oak Park, Forest Park, and River Forest, one mile from the expressway, the question that arises is, “Why aren’t serious developers just standing in line?”
I think the village board should deny all three suggestions, as they did two years ago. Then they should begin work on the real problem that scares off the developers: the property tax burden.
History has shown that the only developers who come to town and stay are the Taxmans and Whitecos who come, see, and conquer us by negotiating outrageous giveaways.
Lower the taxes, and they will come.